The Journey . . . Common Ground

Class of ‘69

Dedicated to all classes of Mary Carroll High School

In memory of those who have gone home

We share more than we think, on this journey of life

Our thoughts and words can suddenly transcend us to an era of familiarity

A common ground…one that seems part of our skin…

Forgotten…maybe…but only for a short while.

Our connections to our past dwell deep within our souls

A word from a stranger can trigger a glimpse of our past that runs deep

A look at what used to be

And then… we consider the possibility… that some things change and some do not, but maybe they’re not supposed to.

We choose the journey that we embark upon

The choices are connected to what we know, don’t know…

Or, maybe, it is simply a constant task of connecting the new with the old

The good, the bad, and the ugly… and then… to be challenged to create our own form of whom we are, and might become.

The road we travel is filled with barriers, valleys, mountains and detours,

And as we travel down that road we seek the smooth pavement that satisfies

The pavement that we seek is derived in many different colors

And its essence…is really about where we have gone before.

What are we looking for, something to make us feel better, heal us…

Healing comes when we have learned something from our experiences

If we don’t learn something initially…we have to go back

Going back is clearly…something to think about…

Going back sometimes brings pain, excitement, encouragement and healing

But it also brings with it an awareness that cultivates new beginnings, new endings and wholeness

It holds in its hand an offering of peace, thanksgiving, freedom and love

A love stronger than what used to be

What used to be can be again

But is that all that life has to offers us?

Or, is there something greater?

We have to make room…for the change of what used to be

When we connect the past with the present

It’s there, that we find the same familiar faces and quirky ideas… and ideals that seem the same…but are they?

It’s there, that we find loss of judgment, separation…to be replaced with friendship, love, kindness and compassion with one another

And then…in the end… we find the reality and enlightenment of our own sense of connectedness to our past, present, and our future…

We find a calm…a common thread… a walk that we have all walked on this journey in some form or another…a walk on a very common ground…and in many ways…we are… all the same, and seeking the same.

Copyright © 2006 COPYRIGHT LaRue Kay Hodgens Saenz. All Rights Reserved.

Reflection: God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.' Father, God, bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their lives be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

See you at the reunion!!